A. Lange & Söhne

When I look at a watch dial, I want to see something move (e.g., a second hand). I'm also not too inspired by the Saxonia Thin's dial. It's too generic for my taste, and stick markers are probably my least favorite type of marker. The Lange 1, on the other hand, is an iconic design that unmistakably communicates "LANGE" to me. The size of this particular model is perfect for those with wrists 7" or thinner, and it really does look fantastic on a black strap. I would never get tired of looking at the dial or the movement of this Lange 1. But of course, as you can see from this thread, we (unsurprisingly) have a tremendous diversity of opinion here, and it all comes down to taking your best guess about which watch will put the biggest smile on your face for the longest period of time!

I think both watches would put a smile on my face for an extremely long time. And yes as I have a 6.5 inch wrist, the 36.8mm little Lange 1 makes it the perfect fit! And you are absolutely right about the tremendous diversity of opinion here - I read every reply with much interest and sometimes, amusement

One little surprise that caught me offguard but makes sense - since the Thin doesnt have seconds hand, it doesn't have any hacking to stop the balance when you pull out the crown! (Which, I suppose any other non-seconds hand would do)

Not mentioned in your post but I'll suggest it too - the Saxonia 35mm is a good competitor to the 37mm thin. Despite the slightly smaller size it still wears surprisingly well due to the case shape. However, the 37mm thin has one advantage - visible winding wheels on the back which are finely finished with polished teeth!

The Lange 1 with guilloche is a beauty (albeit maybe *too* ornate) - I can imagine it looking quite different with a strap change! As you would know, it uses the newer L1 movement as characterised by the single 3/4 plate without islands behind, and the freesprung balance wheel next to the crown. I think it also has an instantaneous date change vs the older Lange 1.

Regards,
skyeriding

The 35mm Saxonia loses out to the Saxonia thin, not only due to more visible parts being shown on the Saxonia thin but if you place both watches side by side, you will notice that the dial of the Saxonia thin has a deeper an richer patina. Yep, they are not the same colour and kudos to Lange for making it different when it would have been simpler to have the same coloured dial for both watches. Both watches have a 72 hour power reserve and my main concern now is the number of barrels used in the Saxonia thin. If the watch has only one barrel, it will mean way too many turns to wind the watch (I had this unfortunate experience with the 1815 up and down). The little Lange 1 though is equipped with two barrels.

Such a finish is carefully needed for a clean, simple dial - I can understand why it is alluring! My only personal reservation is I like to have running seconds...but that's just me
From observing the movement side of the Sax thin, I'm fairly certain its a single barrel as can be traced out from the location of the jewels on the movement geartrain...
Additionally, movements with two barrels like the Lange 1 advertises this fact with "Doppelfederhaus" printed on the dial.
Regards,
skyeriding

As verified by Alkiro above and by my AD who called me a few hours ago to confirm the single barrel. However, he also stated that the single barrel only required 40 turns to fully wind the watch. I shall attempt myself this Friday and I visit the AD. 40 turns is totally acceptable, 150 turns (as in my Lange up and down) is not!

The purity of the dial is mesmerizing in itself, and offers immense value proposition.

The value proposition is something even the staunchest Patek fans will agree upon. Seldom have I seen a dial that although so empty is full of character! One can get lost in its emptiness

As you know I bought a Saxonia Thin 37mm recently and I can tell you first hand that this one doesn’t disappoint. The proportions are right. The shimmering dial with the polished markers is perfection. Nothing about this watch disappoints. In terms of winding, I find it to be a joy - not more than 40-50 turns and, to me at-least, feels smooth.

This watch can easily be dressed up with a tux or dressed down with a sweater or shirt. Change the strap to dark blue and it’s something else completely.

The movement is also a treat- having the ratchet wheel and winding wheels visible- also finished to perfection- is just mesmerizing.

I can not recommend this one enough - at less than 15k is definitely a bargain.

That is exactly what I wanted to know - how many turns it takes to wind the watch. 40 to 50 turns is in line with what my AD mentioned and is totally acceptable. By the way, do you wind it daily or once every 3 days? Yes, I agree the movement (chronographs apart) is one of Lange's nicest with more parts visible. Thanks again Moe.

And yes - I personally wind all my watches every day. I enjoy the experience. Also, are you interested in the white or rose gold? I’d recommend the rose gold as it feels and looks more interesting.

Here’s a pic of mine on blue Lange straps:

Lange is one of the few brands that have nailed their rose gold colour perfectly. I would however, keep the standard burgundy/brown strap as to me it brings out the best of the rose gold. Ah, you wind your watch daily - that explains why I had to wind my 1815 up and down in excess of 150 turns as I only wound it once every 3 days since the power reserve lasted 72 hours (just like the Saxonia thin). I wind my H Moser Fume dial about 50 to 60 times once every 3 days to keep the watch fully wound. That is a 2 barrel watch. Okay, so the lesson learned here is that irrespective of the length of the power reserve, one should really wind a single barrel watch daily to avoid having to wind it for too long after 3 or 4 days. Thanks Moe for the clarification.

It’s 40-50 to wind it from zero.

That is most enlightening. I know many might think it is a trivial point but nothing is trivial for me when it comes to watches
So assuming it is fully wound (after 40 to 50 turns) and you wind it daily, would I be correct to assume that you do not then have to wind it 40 to 50 turns daily?

I’m in Ottawa today an will be flying back home on Thursday. I’ll give you a more precise answer when i get back to Toronto.

Safe travels

I just returned from my Lange AD and can confirm that it takes 50 turns to fully wind the Lange Saxonia thin. So I am likely to get one but as I shall be at the SIHH next month, I want to make sure that there are no lovelier Lange watches on offer
Thanks Moe for your help and encouragement.

Yup! Around 50- I just tried a few mins ago. Also, I’m going to be at SIHH too! And I am also thinking about waiting to see what’s coming out before I make my next purchase.lets meet up there!

I shall be at the SIHH on Thursday 18 January and would love to meet up. I shall be there only for 4 hours but it would be great to meet you in person. I shall PM you.